Case Note & Summary
The High Court of Karnataka heard a batch of writ appeals filed by the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), and the State of Karnataka against a common order of a Single Judge dated 11.03.2024. The Single Judge had allowed writ petitions filed by private companies engaged in inter-state transmission of electricity, such as NSL Sugars Limited and Altilium Energie Private Limited, and quashed the State Government’s Order dated 16.10.2023 (No. ENERGY 82 PPT 2023) insofar as it extended to inter-state transmission. The State Government Order had been challenged on the ground that it exceeded the State's legislative and executive competence, as inter-state transmission is regulated by central authorities under the Electricity Act, 2003. The writ petitioners also sought the withdrawal of consequential approvals and no-objections issued by SLDC/KPTCL. The Single Judge ruled in favor of the petitioners, holding that the State Government could not regulate inter-state transmission. Aggrieved, the SLDC, KPTCL, and the State Government preferred writ appeals under Section 4 of the Karnataka High Court Act. The Division Bench reserved judgment on 14.11.2025 and pronounced it on 19.12.2025. The core legal issue was the extent of the State Government’s power under the Electricity Act, 2003, particularly regarding entities involved in inter-state electricity transmission. The appeals raised questions about the distribution of regulatory competence between the State and the Centre. The outcome of the appeals is not ascertainable from the limited text provided.
Issue of Consideration
Whether the State Government Order dated 16.10.2023 is valid insofar as it extends to those engaged in inter-state transmission of electricity?
Law Points
- inter-state transmission
- State Government Order
- regulatory jurisdiction
- Electricity Act 2003
- Single Judge allowed writ petitions
